Planning panel to consider Bucca development

A MULTI-million dollar redevelopment on 97ha of land in Bucca has been lodged with the Northern Joint Regional Planning Panel.

Planning documents show the development at 215 Randalls Rd would involve the relocation of proposed accommodation buildings as part of a new rehabilitation centre at the site.

The development application includes modifications to an original DA that was lodged to Coffs Harbour City Council in 2011.

An independent environmental report and additional surveys and vegetation mapping were undertaken in 2015 to supplement data gathered in the original DA.

The report stated measures should be taken to minimise impacts on the tertiary koala habitat at the site, but noted no koalas were recorded during the site inspection.

Developers would be required to pay for upgrades to sections of Randalls Rd, and the replacement of Bucca Creek Bridge.

Management strategies including retaining native eucalyptus trees at the property were also recommended in the report.

The proposal was submitted by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and has capital investment of $7.5million.

If approved, the site will become a rehabilitation centre where clients would be involved in the management of the property and trained in agricultural, farm machinery and related disciplines.

Developers said the property was chosen for its remote location as well as "serene characteristics".

The Northern Joint Regional Planning Panel is the designated body to consider DA's where there is capital investment more than $20 million, or projects that are council related, lodged by the State Government, or eco-tourist facilities with capital investment of more than $5 million.